Henry VIII Posthumous Silver Groat (1547–1551)

This hammered silver groat was struck during the early reign of Edward VI in the name of Henry VIII (who reigned from 1509–1547). Posthumous issues date from 1547 to 1551, soon after Henry’s death. Featuring a crowned, quarter-facing bust of Henry VIII on the obverse and a long cross with quartered arms on the reverse, this piece evokes the grandeur and debasement struggles of the Tudor era.

📌 Key Features

• Historical Posthumous Minting: Issued under Edward VI (1547–1551), bearing Henry VIII's portrait
• Iconic Design: Crowned, quarter-facing bust with inscribed royal titles; reverse shows long cross with arms and halved roses
• Hammered Silver Planchet: Typical irregular edges from early minting methods
• Base Silver Composition: Contains a debased silver alloy common in later Tudor issues
• Circulated Patina: Attractive toning and surface wear consistent with a fine–very fine grade

🔍 Why You Should Buy

• Tangible Tudor Legacy: A relic from a transformative period in English history—religious upheaval, currency debasement, and shifting monarchs
• Collectible for Historians & Noblesse: Appeals to collector of English hammered coins, especially those posthumously honoring Henry VIII
• Understated Rarity: While posthumous issues aren’t exceedingly scarce, each carries unique die and mint variations (Tower, Canterbury, York, Bristol)
• Educational Display Piece: Perfect addition for a historical display, educational collection, or hands-on numismatics

📏 Technical Specifications

• Period: 1547–1551
• Monarch: Henry VIII (posthumous issue under Edward VI)
• Mint: Likely Tower of London (other mints include Canterbury, York, Bristol)
• Denomination: Groat (four pence)
• Weight: Approx. 2.3–2.6 g
• Diameter: Approx. 24–27 mm
• Metal: Debased silver (base silver mix typical of late Tudor groats)
• Condition: Fine to Very Fine — worn fields, visible legends, toned surfaces

📉 Market Value & Condition Guide

• Circulated Fine Grade: Typically priced between £70–£130 depending on grade and mint mark
• Very Fine (VF): Displays clearer legends & design, fetching £150–£300+
• Rarer Mint Variants: Pieces from Canterbury, York, or Bristol mints may command premiums

❓ FAQs

What makes this coin “posthumous”?
It was struck after King Henry VIII’s death (1547), during the early reign of Edward VI, yet continued naming Henry VIII—hence "posthumous issue."

Is this authentic despite wear and toning?
Yes. The light wear, toning, and flan irregularities are typical, lending authenticity and period charm.

How can I identify the mint?
Look for tiny mint marks or symbols (e.g., arrow, lis, martlet, WS) near the cross forks—these indicate Tower, Bristol, etc.

How should it be preserved?
Store in a clean, stable environment with muted humidity; use padded coin holders to preserve surviving detail.

🎯 Ideal For

• Collectors specializing in Tudor, medieval, or hammered British coinage
• Historians or enthusiasts of Henry VIII and Edward VI era artifacts
• Students and educators looking for tangible Tudor numismatic examples
• Display collectors seeking coins with distinctive textures and stories